IMPACT calls for review of decentralisation

The IMPACT trade union has formally called on the Government to review its decentralisation plans.

The union has spent the past year or so raising concerns about the plans, which it says are opposed by a significant majority of staff.

It now wants the Government to exempt certain organisations from decentralisation if their relocation is impractical or provides poor value for money.

Spokesman Bernard Harbor said today that it was a potential election issue if the Government failed to address the widespread concerns.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, accepted in the Dáil today that there was no appetite for decentralisation in State agencies and that the plan was creating real problems for families.

However, he defended the move and insisted that a sizeable amount of staff wanted to relocate out of Dublin.

Mr Ahern said the Government would continue to discuss the matter with unions representing civil and public servants.